Today we’d like to introduce you to Carly Shooster.
Hi Carly, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I joined the Sequential Artists Workshop Yearlong Program in 2018 and got my certificate in 2019. In that time, I made 25+ pages of comics, met two lifelong friends, and learned at an exponential rate.
In 2020, I pursued an MFA in Comics at California College of the Arts based on my experience at SAW.
In 2024, I took over for Emma Jensen as Assistant Director of SAW and run both our online and in-person short courses.
My debut graphic novel, Mamita, will be out in April 2027 by Fieldmouse Press.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
No way! Comics are anything but smooth! Making comics takes a ton of time and energy, my book is in its final year of production: YEAR SIX.
That said, I feel extremely lucky. I learned from the best: Tom Hart, Joyce Rice, Thi Bui, Nicole Georges, Rob Clough, Justin Hall, and so many other greats. My cohorts at both SAW and CCA helped me develop my practice into a sustainable, loving practice.
But in making comics, I have developed scoliosis from poor posture, questioned my art, and wondered about other art disciplines. Making art is never smooth, but it is exceptionally fulfilling.
Professonally, at SAW, the biggest obstacle is funding. The state used to give SAW ~$25,000 a year, and has cut it since 2024. Working at a budget of $0 after having effectively a whole year of rent paid has really cut our programming into smithereens.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the Assistant Director at SAW, which has an admin team of 4, almost 5, folks. We work very closely together on releasing courses, workshops, and maintaining a wide-reaching community that exists all over the world via the Mighty Network. SAW is known for comics education that is accessible and extensive.
I deal with our grants, online short courses, course development, member interactions, in-person volunteers, and a lot more that I am forgetting about in this moment. I also get to lead a monthly book club, and come up with ideas like that all the time for the betterment of our comics community.
I personally am known for making watercolor comics. My book, Mamita, is a 300 page graphic novel done entirely in liquid watercolors of blue, purple and yellow. I developed a course titled “Begin Your Graphic Novel” that goes over all the necessary steps to get your graphic novel out of your head and onto paper (or an iPad).
I’m really proud of this course. I use Mamita as an example for all sorts of things, and processes along the way. I am stoked to be able to develop a course like this at SAW.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is to do grant reporting on time, and be timely with most everything else: responding to members, course curriculum development, class summaries, application reviews etc. Timeliness is kindness.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sequentialartistsworkshop.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comicsworkshop/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sequentialartistsworkshop
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SAWcomicsworkshop
